How good are the Digital-8 Camcorders?

[SingSing]

I am looking to replace my Viewcam.
There are two formats avaiable I am thinking about.
MiniDV and Digital-8.

I was told digital-8 can only play 8mm and Hi-8, but only
record/play digital-8. Is this true ?

Are Digital-8 same quality as minDV ?
How are the recording time compare between these two ?

Thank you for any feedback.

[jtor]

I was told digital-8 can only play 8mm and Hi-8, but only
record/play digital-8. Is this true ?
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I remember seeing a post, saying 'not all' D8 can play 8mm and Hi8, and you might want to check on the specifics of the D8 model you're looking at. I'm not 100% sure on this, as I don't own a D8 (but was able to 'borrow' a TRV410 months ago, which plays 8mm/Hi8 tapes). If it does play 8mm/Hi8 tapes, then great. Again, not sure if you can shoot analog on D8 camcorders, but why would you want to record analog on a camcorder that can record digital?
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Are Digital-8 same quality as minDV ?
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It depends (on the model that you're comparing). Hi-end models of miniDVs can provide better quality. But bottom line, whichever format (D8 or miniDV), you'll be doing digital.
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How are the recording time compare between these two ?
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Recording time, on 120min Hi8 tape, recording digital will be 1hr (SP mode), same recording length for 60min miniDV, also in SP mode.
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hope this helps

[Tommy]

I tend to think that Mini DV has slightly better quailty. However, I think thats due more to the fact that Mini DV cameras often times use higher price componets. It sort of like how the more expensive sonys get better lens.....

[SingSing]

What are the H x V resolution of miniDV and Digital-8 ?
What are the audio format and the sampling rate ?

[jtor]

What are the H x V resolution of miniDV and Digital-8 ?
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720x480 NTSC (720x576 for PAL???)
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What are the audio format and the sampling rate ?
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They SHOULD be the same (PCM, 48KHz 2ch 16bit, 32KHz 4ch 12bit, some 'might' allow 44KHz, mine doesn't).
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hope this helps.